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This guide walks you through the essential steps to prepare for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam. By following these clear, actionable steps, you will reinforce your AWS knowledge, address gaps in your understanding, and build the confidence to pass the exam.

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Step 1: Master the Mock Exam

After completing your studies, your first priority is to focus on the mock exam. Retake it repeatedly until you consistently score 95% or until you fully understand every error. If you only achieve an 85th percentile, revisit the challenging areas until the concepts become clear.
Regularly reviewing your mock exam performance helps highlight any misconceptions—such as confusing the number of available EBS storage tiers—so you can adjust your mental model accordingly.

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Step 2: Dive Deep into the “Design for X” Sections

The “Design for X” section is packed with scenario-based questions designed to test your ability to optimize various aspects of AWS architecture, such as security, reliability, performance, and cost efficiency. While the end-of-section quizzes are useful, the detailed design questions provide a deeper understanding of best practices.
The image outlines a three-step process for preparing for the SAA exam, including reviewing mock exams, studying scenario-based questions, and seeking support on a Slack forum.
Consider a common scenario: a retail company deploying an e-commerce application on AWS. The application must securely handle customer transactions and manage sensitive data. To achieve this, segregate the application and business logic from the database layer to minimize unauthorized access. A recommended strategy is to use a single VPC with multiple subnets—assigning public subnets for the web tier and private subnets for the application and database layers—while implementing strict firewall configurations.
The image presents a scenario where a retail company is deploying an e-commerce application on AWS, focusing on securely architecting the application by segregating different layers. It lists four approaches for consideration, each involving different configurations of VPCs, subnets, and security settings.
Understanding the reasoning behind why one solution is correct—and why the others are not—is crucial. For example, placing the web tier in a public subnet while restricting the application and database tiers to private subnets effectively limits public access and promotes security through controlled, encrypted communication across layers. Occasionally, the section may also include reference diagrams provided by AWS. These diagrams offer valuable visual context and a deeper understanding of how AWS services integrate, making complex concepts more accessible.
The image is a diagram of an AWS Cloud Account setup, illustrating a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) with public and private subnets, availability zones, and components like NAT gateways, internet gateways, and security groups.

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Step 3: Seek Guidance and Clarify Doubts on Slack

If reviewing the mock exam and design scenarios still leaves you with questions, connect with the community on Slack at kodekloud.slack.com. Both Michael Forrester and Sanjeev Thiyagarajan are available to answer your questions, offer insights, and help pinpoint any topics that need further review.
Engaging with experienced peers and experts can provide additional support and ensure you have covered all vital areas before the actual exam.

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Summary

To prepare effectively for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam, follow these three critical steps:
  1. Practice Intensively: Retake the mock exam until you reach a consistent 95% score. This rigorous practice is essential, even though the actual exam has different questions and an 80% pass threshold.
  2. Review Design Scenarios: Focus on the “Design for X” sections to master scenario-based questions related to security, reliability, and cost optimization.
  3. Engage with the Community: Leverage the Slack channel (kodekloud.slack.com) to connect with experienced coaches for advice and additional support.
The image is a summary slide with four steps for exam preparation, including taking mock exams, reviewing sections, joining a Slack community, and signing up for the exam.
Once you build your confidence by following these steps, sign up for the exam and celebrate your success. We are here to provide all the guidance and support you need on your journey to becoming an AWS Solutions Architect Associate. Good luck on your exam journey!

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